Upgrades to a popular waterfront area as part of a 20-year vision have been endorsed by a local council.
Following extensive consultation, Noosa Council has approved the Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Master Plan, which aims to balance safety, recreation and sustainability.
Key features will include retaining existing parking areas, wider shared pathways, two designated swimming spots where boats are restricted and parkland upgrades along the 2km strip.
In June 2024, the council released its first draft plan for the upgrades, with community consultation promoting strong feedback to the initial plans.
In response to backlash, the council unveiled a revised draft plan and offered further community engagement.
Mayor Frank Wilkie said thousands of residents took part in the community consultation process to shape improvements that would preserve the foreshore’s character.
“We’ve worked in good faith to respect and balance all views on community access, safety, enjoyment and aesthetics in a masterplan that preserves what everyone loves about the Noosaville foreshore, while paving the way for improvements,” he said.
“Community consultation over 12 months, including riverside engagement events, stakeholder workshops and Your Noosa surveys, helped shape and refine the plan.
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“More than 2000 residents provided input, with many kindly thanking council after seeing their ideas reflected in the revised draft.
“The intention was always to conduct a genuine process to co-create a shared space that everyone could enjoy for years to come.”
Existing facilities including the boat ramp and 404 car parks will also remain, while the tennis court has been earmarked for future upgrades.
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“The boat ramp area remains mostly in its original state in response to the feedback received, with the tennis court also kept as a revered part of the foreshore’s heritage,” Cr Wilkie said.
“After discussions with the tennis club, future tennis court upgrades will enable a more diverse range of sports.
“Council also committed to ensure the existing 404 car parking spaces are clearly recognised in the plan and any future changes subject to thoughtful design and community engagement.”
Cr Wilkie said the masterplan also aimed to address various challenges, including ageing infrastructure, river flooding and erosion.
“Much of the existing infrastructure has reached the end of its service life and no longer meets current standards,” he said.
“Timber walls along the waterfront are significantly worn, there’s erosion along the shoreline, and stormwater infrastructure over half-a-century-old needs replacing.
“The masterplan allows council to apply for external grant funding so we spare ratepayers the upgrade costs estimated at $10 million over the next 20 years.”
Cr Wilkie thanked the community for their passion and patience in helping shape the masterplan.
“Key aspects of this masterplan will undergo detailed design and ongoing community consultation to ensure residents are kept informed and that what’s delivered continues to reflect our community’s collective and evolving aspirations,” he said.
